Contents
1. Description
Saurauia Tristyla, commonly called Saurauia, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. It is native to South America and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has a dense foliage with large, glossy, and dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed. The leaves grow up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.Saurauia Tristyla is a dioecious plant, meaning that it produces male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters in the summer. The male flowers have a sweet fragrance, while the female flowers are unscented.The fruit of Saurauia Tristyla is a juicy and edible berry that is yellow or red in color. The fruit is about 1/2 inch in diameter and has a sweet flavor. The plant is grown for its ornamental value and as a source of food for wildlife.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Saurauia |
3. Appearance
Saurauia Tristyla is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense foliage of oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a pointed tip. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and the branches are thin and woody.The flowers of Saurauia Tristyla are small and white, and they bloom in clusters in the summer. The male flowers have a sweet fragrance, while the female flowers are unscented. The plant produces small, edible berries that are yellow or red in color and have a sweet flavor.
4. Care Guide
To take care of Saurauia Tristyla, you need to provide the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: Saurauia Tristyla needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, make sure not to overwater the plant, as it can cause root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which is from spring to fall.Soil: Saurauia Tristyla prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or peat moss to the soil to improve its quality.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. However, make sure not to expose it to direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can burn the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Saurauia Tristyla can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Saurauia Tristyla is susceptible to pests and diseases like spider mites, mealybugs, and leaf spot. Spider mites and mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
6. Habitat
Saurauia Tristyla is native to South America and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be found in the understory of rainforests, along streams, and in wetlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
7. Question and Answer
Q1. Is Saurauia Tristyla a good indoor plant?
A1. No, Saurauia Tristyla is not a good indoor plant because it requires a lot of space to grow and prefers partial shade to full sun.Q2. Can Saurauia Tristyla tolerate drought?
A2. No, Saurauia Tristyla cannot tolerate drought and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist.Q3. How often should I fertilize Saurauia Tristyla?
A3. You should fertilize Saurauia Tristyla once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to fall.Q4. How do I propagate Saurauia Tristyla?
A4. You can propagate Saurauia Tristyla from stem cuttings or by layering.
8. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Saurauia Tristyla:
- Saurauia Madrensis
- Saurauia Magnifica
- Saurauia Scaberrima
- Saurauia Willdenowii
9. References
Here are the references used in this article:
- Berry, P.E., et al. (1995). Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana. Vol. 2. Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
- Mabberley, D.J. (2008). Mabberley’s Plant-book: A Portable Dictionary of Plants, Their Classification and Uses. Cambridge University Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Saurauia Tristyla. Retrieved from: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a860
- USDA. (2021). Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Retrieved from: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
